Discover the stunning city of Salvador

One of the first things a person becomes aware of when traveling around Sao Paulo is the city's sheer size. Sao Paulo, the largest South American city, is also the third largest city in the world. Sometimes called Brazil's New York, Sao Paulo is not so much popular because of its natural setting but rather for its vibrant culture. The only trace you will find of this cities wonderful energy are the huge skyscrapers hidden in the Avenida Paulista's canyon. Every where else, life continues with vibrance and energy.

Sao Paulo is one of the most cosmopolitan Brazilian cities and as such has large clusters of ethnic minorities. Some examples of this can be seen in the Japanese, Italian, Lebanese and Arab neighborhoods. Having such a multi-ethnic population means that there are a variety of restaurants and tastes available in the country. You will easily find Japanese, Italian, Brazilian, Jewish, Arab and Chinese gourmet restaurants in the city waiting to tantalize your taste buds. If you enjoy eating meat, Brazil is famous for its excellent beef. You can enjoy this juicy food at a rodizio or churrascarias where roasted meat, cooked to perfection, are taken to the various tables and cut according to your wishes. The Jardins district is the place to go if you intend dining out. Many locals eat rather late at night and so you can expect to enjoy your meal into the early hours of the morning.

When you are not indulging in succulent, meaty meals, you may try some of Sao Paulo's other attractions. If it is a nice day, you may want to head to one of the many stunning beaches and soak up the sun. If you prefer, you can visit some of the best museums in South America or visit the shops to soak up some of the culture and history of the place. The nightlife is outstanding, so you can expect to be entertained well into the early hours of the morning.

In more recent years, Sao Paulo has become the center for the martial art known as capoeira. If you have never practiced this athletic art, you may want to watch for the dance-like motions are mesmerizing and captivating. The beat of the drums will resound in your body and you may well find yourself wanting to give it a try but believing that you will never be able to achieve the gymnastic feats which are being presented before you. Originally developed by the slaves of the Bahia, the martial art/dance form is a strong part of the Brazilian culture. Surely, the beat of this enormous city will keep pulsing in your mind and body long after you visit its extraordinary shores.